Setapak

Setapak is a major suburb in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Formerly a tin-mining and rubber-growing area, in Malay tapak means 'step' so Setapak means 'one step', probably referring to the close proximity of the suburb to Kuala Lumpur. Another explanation of the origin of its name traces to its historical roots.

The earliest inhabitants of Setapak were the aborigines, and the Minangkabaus. On 12 April 1884 Frank Swettenham, the Resident of Selangor pleaded for the re-appointment of Batu Tapak as the headman of the aborigines living in that area, and hence the name Setapak, in honour of the headman. The mukim of Setapak is situated in the north-eastern part of Kuala Lumpur and has an area of 62 square miles (160 km²). The northern limit of Setapak is Gunung Bunga Buah; its north-eastern limit is Gunung Bidai; to the east is Bukit Dinding and to the south-east is the Rifle range. The Gombak River with its source in Gunung Bunga Buah, is the main river flowing through the mukim. Setapak consists of Gombak, Hot spring New Village and a number of other villages.

In the middle of Setapak is the township of Wangsa Maju. The Titiwangsa Recreational Park is located just south of Setapak. Loke Yew Hill is a place of major historical interest in this town. Named after the Chinese philanthropist, this hill contains ruins of a fortress surrounding the dilapidated villa which belonged to the Loke family. It is also the burial ground for the Loke family.

In 1961 the Zoological society was formed, and the National Zoo of Malaysia (Zoo Negara) in Setapak was officially opened by the Prime Minister and on 16 November 1963. The Zoo is situated about 13 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, onroute to Ulu Klang and situated on a 42-acre (17 ha) semi-virgin jungle with a reserve of 100 acres (40 ha) for further development.

Features

• The Lake City Condominium is located in Setapak (next to Danau Kota)
• The P. Ramlee Memorial is located at Taman P. Ramlee (formerly Taman Forlong)
• Royal Selangor Pewter factory
• The Ayer Panas Hot Springs is located in Ayer Panas, Setapak
• Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARC)
• Institute CECE
• Al Diwan International Centre for Teaching Arabic (at Taman Melati Utama)
• Puspakom Kuala Lumpur
• JPJ Wilayah Persekutuan
• Setapak High School
• Air Panas Girls' School
• Wangsa Maju
• Setapak Central
• Sekolah Sri Utama
• Courts Mammoth
• Prima Setapak
• Star Parc Point
• Platinum Hill
• Platinum Lake
• Mun Yee Primary School
• Chong Hwa Primary School
• Chiao Nan Primary School
• Department of Immigration (Malaysia) Wangsa Maju Branch